What's coming next to Saugatuck Center for the Arts

The opening reception for "Shortcut to the Silk Road" at the beautiful Saugatuck Center for the Arts turned out to an amazing event last night. Walking in to the building, viewers were served with a very special "Mar-Tea-Ni" - Tea infused Martini - cocktails in the spirit of the exhibit's title. Viewers then walk in to the main gallery passing by walls covered with the word "LOVE" in Farsi all over. There is a map of Silk Road painted on the wall of the exhibit with art pieces on them. Tea and Saffron were some of the most famous trade goods traveled through Silk Road from ancient Persia hence they were used as one of the mediums in these pieces.

Right after is the "Love" corner. With it's walls and floors covered with the word "LOVE" in Farsi, I try to showcase the power of positivity around us. Growing up in Tehran, I have always seen negative graffiti words on the walls of Tehran...I believe in the power of affirmations; why not try to turn something negative into a positive thing?

We had another event the week after the opening called "You have brought Bliss" which mainly focused on the rich hospitality traditions of Iran and Persia. In the class I shared information about ancient customs of welcoming the stranger which is completely new to those who just have their vision of Iran based on what they see on Media. We all enjoyed a dish I prepared as well and shared the recipe with all. This sold out event was extremely important for me as I wanted to give all the opportunity to ask any questions they have freely.

Our upcoming event is called "Creativity Revealed" which will be held on February 15th at 7pm at Saugatuck Center for the Arts and is Sponsored by the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Club. I'm honored to be  be interviewed by Salvatore Sapienza and then I will take all into the process of creating my pieces and shortly after that a hands-on demonstration opportunity. There are still few spots available for this Free event. To secure your spot, visit HERE.

What to expect during "Shortcut to the Silk Road" Exhibit

As we get closer to end of the year, everyone is busy with the last minute shopping, family gatherings etc. For me it is a different kind of preparation though; getting the final plans and sketches done for the "Shortcut to the Silk Road" exhibition in Saugatuck MI this January.  This Exhibition brings to life the most celebrated trade route in history, named for the treasured fabric that attracted traders from all over the world. The Silk Road stretched from the far reaches of China through the cities and empires of Central Asia and the Middle East. Extending 4,000 miles, the Silk Road derives its name from the lucrative trade in Chinese silk carried out along its length. Trade goods were not the only things travelers carried with them; artistic methods and motifs, styles of music, religions, languages and literature, philosophies and political ideologies were all transported along with silks, spices and porcelains. Rather than the luxury items that might pass from one set of hands to another, more often it was these more intangible cultural products that left the most indelible impressions.

In the spirit of this exhibit, I have used some of the merchants which have been significant to the silk road in some of the new pieces which will be on view during "Shortcut To The Silk Road" exhibit; Tea and Saffron are some main mediums in some pieces. Stay tuned for some images to come as we get closer to the opening date. Join us on January 22nd 2016 at Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 5:30-7:30 pm located on 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck, MI.